Understanding Homeopathy in Treatment of Seniors

1. Understanding Homeopathy in Treatment of Seniors Jackie Krammer Classical Homeopath

2. My Background and Training • Graduate of Northwestern Academy of Homeopathy • Nationally certified through the Council of Homeopathic Certification • In private practice since 2002 in Minneapolis Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

3. Objectives • Explain the basics of homeopathy • Describe how homeopathy approaches health maintenance and prevention for seniors • Describe how homeopathy addresses chronic conditions and acute illness • Describe how to look for a professional homeopath in the community Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

4. What Homeopathy Isn’t • Not vitamin or mineral supplements. • Not herbal preparations, although some remedies are made from plants. • Not a diet or exercise program. • Not a lifestyle change. Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

5. What is homeopathy? • Systematic form of healing that stimulates body’s innate ability to restore health • Approaches health and illness at the energetic level, similar to acupuncture, quigong • Addresses underlying susceptibility and fixed patterns Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

6. Ancient Roots • Not a new concept • Welcomes traditional healing power of nature • Practiced by ancient Greeks. Dates back to Hippocrates (460–377 BCE) • Saw patient as a whole entity, promoting a holistic approachin medical science Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

7. Example: Allium Cepa • Made from red onion • Remember the symptoms you get when slicing a strong onion? • burning, watery eyes, mucus from nose • Helpful for colds, sinus problems, hayfever, allergies – when the symptoms agree • Modality: Discharge from the nose is acidic and makes the surrounding skin burn. Discharge from the eyes is bland.

8. Homeopathy treats the whole person, rather than the disease • Diagnosis is just the beginning • Can treat even if no clear diagnosis • “It isn’t a ‘disease’, but I don’t feel right” • A variety of ‘unrelated’ symptoms or symptoms in different organ systems Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

9. How we understand the whole person • Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual expressions • See symptoms as body’s attempt to restore balance • Remedies are chosen based on the individual not the diagnosis

10. Promoting health • Homeopathy gradually restore better health by treating underlying imbalance: results in a healthier immune system, more energy, better sleep • Health is state of flow: a healthy person is less stuck in fixed patterns • Seniors are better able to adopt lifestyle changes that prevent disease and promote health e.g. reduced arthritis pain makes it easier to move and exercise • With less medication, seniors often feel better, more alert, less groggy Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

11. Acute versus Chronic illness Acute Chronic Illness of months to years duration Understand patterns and big picture Medications & surgeries impact response Expect gradual return to health Professional consultation highly recommended • Time limited illness • Expect rapid decrease in intensity and duration of symptoms • Self prescribing possible with good reference books and an acute class to help with remedy selection Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

12. Examples Chronic • high blood pressure • arthritis • acid reflux, digestive problems • anxiety, depression • insomnia Acute • urinary tract infections • influenza • surgery • injuries

13. Betty’s grief • 72 year old woman • Chief concerns: hot flashes wake her at night, legs swell in evening, restless legs at night, only sleeps 2-3 hours at a time • Longstanding grief: husband’s death, difficult relationships with her sons • After homeopathic treatment physical symptoms improved, renewed relationships with her sons, better able to move on with her life • Worked with her until she developed dementia Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

14. Who Should Consider Homeopathy • Resonates with some seniors e.g. this reminds me of what my mother did • Are open to doing something different than what the doctor recommends • Are on relatively few medications

15. Challenges in Treating Seniors • Accurate description of symptoms by client • Picture can be blurred by medication and memory loss • Progress can be gradual due to previous treatments e.g. medication and surgeries • Family interference vs family support

16. When you visit a homeopath • Total person and all symptoms taken into account to treat chronic ailments • In-depth interview lasts up to 2 hours • Describe: chief complaint, other physical, mental and emotional concerns, your nature, what is typical for you • Investigate health and family history, previous treatments Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

17. Continued Care & Ongoing Management • Meet every 4-8 weeks to assess progress • Ask doctors to evaluate necessity of current medications • Time to return to health depends on how long you’ve had problem, its severity & what medications you are on • Steady, gradual return to health Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

18. Complementing Other Treatment • Homeopathy doesn’t replace conventional medicine • Addresses underlying cause of disease • Can work alongside allopathic drugs and may lessen need for allopathic medicine and treatment • Wonderful complement to massage and chiropractic Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

19. Arnica: One Remedy to Have • Classic first aid remedy • Great for bumps, bruises, falls, sprains • 30C potency for everyday use • Head injuries & concussions: consult a professional • Wonderful for surgery: reduces pain and swelling • Minimizes need for pain medication. Consult a professional 2-3 weeks before your surgery Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

20. How to take remedies • Shake pellets directly into the cap then into mouth. Dissolve under tongue. • Neutral mouth. Refrain from food, beverages, gum, mouthwash, toothpaste for 30 minutes before and 15 minutes after taking the remedy. • For acute illness: dose is 2-3 pellets. Take up to four doses in 24 hours. • Discontinue as soon as you see improvement. Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

21. Key things to remember • Treats the whole person and is highly individualized • A well-chosen remedy strengthens overall health and immune system • Continued care & management is essential • Homeopathy can be integrated with conventional treatment • Consult with a professional for ongoing, chronic concerns • Benefits for seniors: reduced medication, improved sleep and energy • Challenges: doctor-centric, ability to describe symptoms, support of family Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

22. Finding a Homeopath Online directories: Minnesota Homeopathic Assn www.mnhomeopathicassociation.org National Center for Homeopathy www.homeopathic.org North American Society of Homeopaths www.homeopathy.org

23. Information Sources • Reichenberg-Ullman, The Patient’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicine • Dooley, Timothy: Homeopathy Beyond Flat Earth Medicine • Cummings,Stephen & Ullman, Dana: Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathy • Lansky, Amy: The Impossible Cure: The Promise of Homeopathy Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808

24. Contact Information Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55409 612-824-7808 jackie@homeopathyminneapolis.com www.homeopathyminneapolis.com Jackie Krammer, Classical Homeopath 4306 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis 612-824-7808